How can Arne Slot balance his best XI with the pressure to integrate new signings?

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Liverpool’s last two matches— back-to-back clean-sheet wins over Aston Villa and European giants Real Madrid— have been the most convincing they’ve looked all season. How might the Dutchman strike that balance?Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League | Anadolu/GettyImagesWeighing the impact of past performancesOne easy way for Slot to determine which players deserve a place in the Starting XI could be the simple action of seeing if any of last season’s players put in standout performances against an opponent with similar DNA this season, which was on full display as Conor Bradley was given the nod to start against Real Madrid.Last year, the Northern Ireland international kept Kylian Mbappé completely quiet in a 2–0 win over Los Blancos.

On Tuesday night, Bradley delivered another exceptional defensive display, this time keeping Vinícius Júnior in his pocket for what felt like the entire match.Bradley’s 2024/25 performance against the Madridistas was remarkable; although he hasn’t been one of Liverpool’s most influential players this season, Slot trusted his instinct that the young fullback would rise to the occasion again.It’s tempting to wonder whether Slot’s decision would have changed had Jeremie Frimpong been fit; but given the growing sense among fans and pundits that maintaining much of last season’s structure is the smartest approach, it’s hard to imagine Bradley not getting the go-ahead either way.The same logic applies to Dominik Szoboszlai’s performance against City last season, with another huge clash at the Etihad looming on Sunday.Granted, Szoboszlai has already established himself as a must-start, and arguably Liverpool’s best all-around player this season, but his outrageous goal-and-assist display away to Pep Guardiola’s side last year is further proof that Slot doesn’t need to get overly clever by using him at right back or in another unnatural role. Let the Hungarian run the midfield, just as he did then.Last season’s squad won the Premier League for a reason, and it’s clear that ahead of this year's biggest matches, Slot is placing his trust in the players who delivered that glory.Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Fourth Round | Dan Istitene/GettyImagesKeeping track of the packed fixture listLiverpool likely still feel some regret over their EFL Cup exit, a competition in which they’ve historically enjoyed plenty of success.

With injuries and the growing sense that 2025/26 may be more about maintaining last season’s form, these new signings will either need to impress in training to break into the XI for big fixtures or embrace the idea that earning points while the regulars rest is still a vital contribution to the club.When the Reds face teams like Wolves in the Premier League, Qarabağ FK in the Champions League, or a Championship side in the FA Cup, they can confidently field one of the world’s strongest "B-sides," trusting that their new players can still deliver the goods.Furthermore, Slot has already shown a willingness to give his new players freedom across the pitch, as evidenced by Jeremie Frimpong’s deployment on the right wing against Galatasaray. For now, however, Slot may see it as more prudent to let his new players continue adapting to life at Liverpool, a far more demanding badge to wear than any club they’ve represented before.Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 | Michael Regan/GettyImagesRemembering the already-tangible contributions of new signingsThere’s also the simple fact that, while many of Liverpool’s familiar faces have been the team’s standout performers so far this season, two newcomers, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, have already proven themselves worthy of regular spots in the starting XI.Against Real, Wirtz once again deserved a goal contribution if not for a stellar performance from keeper Thibaut Courtois.